Stapling machine

ABSTRACT

A stapling machine having a base, an anvil upon the base, an invertible magazine having a staple discharge opening and staple feeding means pivotally connected to the base, a cover overlying the magazine and pivotally connected to the base and magazine, a cap overlying the cover and also pivotally connected to the base, and an indicia bearing member connected to the cap. The anvil of the machine is supported within a recess provided in the base and is held firmly in downward position within the recess by one end of a leaf spring. The anvil is formed with chamfers on its leading and trailing edges and on its underside and provided with selectively engageable pinning and clinching portions. The magazine and associated structures are connected to the base by a pin passing through a pair of spaced ears which are each formed with upwardly and forwardly extending top portions and the topmost portion of each of the ears is in horizontal alignment with the staple discharge opening of the magazine when the magazine is in in inverted position on the base. Each of the ears also bears an inwardly and laterally extending portion adjacent the base which ears are abuttable with the sides of the magazine when the magazine is in normal position upon the base. Upon the pin which connects the magazine and associated structure with the ears there is a member formed with a pair of laterally disposed spacer elements thereupon which serve to space the magazine an associated structures from the sides of the ears and to prevent unwanted lateral movement thereupon. The indicia bearing member overlies fastening cap and is formed with fastening elements which connect with corresponding fastening elements of the cap.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Nathaniel M. Olney New York; John J. Power, Westbury, both of N.Y. [21] Appl. No. 34,213 [22] Filed May 1, 1970 [45] Patented Dec. 28, 1971 [73] Assignee Swingline Inc.

Long Island City, N.Y.

[54] STAPLING MACHINE 13 Claims, 16 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 227/128, 227/134 [51] int. Cl B25c 5/02 [50] Field of Search 227/120, 121, 122, 123, 124,125, 126, 127, 128, 129,134, 138, 139, 155

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,311,643 2/1943 Crosby 227/128 2,537,438 1/1951 Berger.... 227/134 3,083,367 4/1963 Ruskin 227/127 X 2,218,794 10/1940 Kilbride.. 227/155 2,512,172 6/1950 Olney..... 227/125 2,625,681 1/1953 Boroughs 227/134 2,939,146 6/1960 Abrams 227/ 120 Primary Examiner-Granville Y. Custer, .lr. Attorney-l. Walton Bader ABSTRACT: A stapling machine having a base, an anvil upon the base, an invertible magazine having a staple discharge opening and staple feeding means pivotally connected to the base, a cover overlying the magazine and pivotally connected to the base and magazine, a cap overlying the cover and also ivotally connected to the base, and an indicia bearing member connected to the cap. The anvil of the machine is supported within a recess provided in the base and is held firmly in downward position within the recess by one end of a leaf spring. The anvil is formed with chamfers on its leading and trailing edges and on its underside and provided with selectively engageable pinning and clinching portions. The magazine and associated structures are connected to the base by a pin passing through a pair of spaced ears which are each formed with upwardly and forwardly extending top portions and the topmost portion of each of the ears is in horizontal alignment with the staple discharge opening of the magazine when the magazine is in in inverted position on the base. Each of the ears also bears an inwardly and laterally extending portion adjacent the base which ears are abuttable with the sides of the magazine when the magazine is in normal position upon the base. Upon the pin which connects the magazine and associated structure with the ears there is a member formed with a pair of laterally disposed spacer elements thereupon which serve to space the magazine an associated structures from the sides of the ears and to prevent unwanted lateral movement thereupon. The indicia bearing member overlies fastening cap and is formed with fastening elements which connect with corresponding fastening elements of the cap.

Patented Dec. 28, 1971 3,630,428

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 I l In.

J 5 v INVENTORS NATHANIEL M. QLNEY BY JOHN JPOWER ATTORNEY Patented Dec 28, 1971 3 Sheets-Sheet 2' INVENTORS NATHANIEL M. OLNEY JOHN JPOWER jwa/A fla ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 28, 1971 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 5 R O T N E V NATHANlEL MOLNEY BY JOHN J. POM/H .J. wwa Balk ATTORNEY STAPLING MACHINE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a stapling machine having a number of novel features which will be summarized as follows:

I. The anvil of the machine is supported within a recess located within the base thereof and is held firmly in a downward position by means of one end of a leaf spring. The end of the leaf spring holding the anvil in position is spaced from the base so that manual and upward pressure on the spring will move theanvil away from the base and permit the anvil to be moved above the recess within the base and turned around in order to selectively expose pinning and clinching recesses therein.

2. A pair of upstanding ears are provided upon the base between which are supported an invertible magazine, magazine cover and cap. The magazine is formed with a staple discharge opening at one end thereof. The ears are formed with upwardly and forwardly extending top portions and the topmost portion of the cars is in horizontal alignment with the staple discharge opening of the mechanism and holds the mechanism firmly when the mechanism is in inverted position so as to facilitate tacking.

3. Laterally disposed with respect to each of the ears and adjacent to the base is an inwardly extending portion which portion is carried by the ears and serves to properly position the magazine against lateral displacement when the mechanism is in position adjacent to the anvil.

4. Disposed upon the pin which pivotally secures the magazine between the ears is a spacer member having a pair of bell-shaped elements laterally disposed thereupon. This spacer member also serves to secure the magazine against lateral displacement when the magazine is in normal stapling position adjacent the anvil.

5. The anvil is provided with chamfers at the leading and trailing edges thereof so that paper slipped into the stapling machine upon the anvil does not catch. Optionally the anvil is also provided with chamfers at its lower position to prevent the anvil from scratching the paint or the machine.

6. A flexible and resilient indicia bearing member is secured to the cap and is formed with a top portion carrying a hook and first projection means. The front portion is angularly disposed with respect to the top portion and also carries second projection means. The cap is provided with a longitudinal slot extending along the top and front portions and also is provided with recesses which are adapted to fit the hook and first and second projection means. Normally, the indicia bearing member overlies the slot and the projection means are retained within the recess under substantial compressive force, which is produced by flexing the indicia bearing member and snapping" it into the recesses involved.

The foregoing sets forth the principal objects and advantages of this invention and briefly describes the same. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to the reader of this invention as this description proceeds. The invention will be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings which are made a part of this specification.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a stapling machine made in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the stappling machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken through the stapling machine shown in FIG. 2 taken along lines 33 of FIG. 12 and also showing the direction of force of the leaf spring the base, acts downwardly with respect to the anvil the anvil upwardly with respect to the latch.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken through the anvil of the stapling machine of this invention along lines 4-4 of FIG. 5 showing the anvil in the position outside of the recess within the base which is the position utilized to permit the anvil to be rotated to selectively position the pinning and clinching portions thereof.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of the base of the stapling machine of this invention showing the direction in which the anvil is rotated to change its position from selective exposure of a clinching recess to selective exposure of a pinning recess.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 but showing the anvil in the position that it assumes when the pinning recess is to be selectively utilized.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the front portion of the cap of the stapling machine of this invention (with the indicia bearing member removed for clarity of illustration) and' showing the slot within the cap and the portions therewithin which are engageable with mating portions of the indicia bearing member.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along lines 8- 8 of FIG. 7 but with the indicia bearing member also shown. In this view the indicia bearing member is shown overlying the cap in the position that the parts assume before the hook portion of the indicia bearing member is engaged.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 but showing the indicia bearing member in position that it assumes upon the cap member when the hook portion thereof is engaged in the corresponding opening within the cap member but before the remaining parts are snapped into position.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 8 and 9 but showing the cap member and indicia bearing member in secured position upon one another.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the base of the stapling machine of this invention showing, in phantom lines, the means utilized to prevent lateral displacement of the magazine and to permit the magazine to align perfectly with the anvil.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the stapling machine of this invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the U-shaped spacer member.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view through the hinge pin of this invention taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. I.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the stapling machine of this invention showing the position that the parts assume when the magazine is in inverted position and the device is being used for tacking.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view similar to that of FIG. 4 but showing the additional chamfer which is optionally provided on the bottom of the leading and trailing edges of the anvil so as to prevent the marring of the paint of the machine when the anvil is rotated.

The invention will now be further described by reference to the specific forms thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings. In this connection, however, the reader is cautioned to note that such specific forms of this invention are for illustrative purposes and for purposes of example only. Various changes and modifications could obviously be made within the scope of this invention without departing therefrom.

Now, referring to the specific form of this invention as shown in the drawings herein, (with the exception of FIG. 16) the stapling machine 11 is formed with a base 12. Beneath base 12 is a front foot 13 and a rear foot 14 which are disposed within recesses within the base and serve to prevent the base from scratching ofiice furniture upon which the machine of this invention may rest.

A leaf spring 15 is disposed beneath the base and is secured thereto at its intermediate portion 16 by means of a clip 19, which in turn is secured to the base by means of a rivet 20 passing through mating openings within spring 15 and base 12. The rear portion 18 of spring 15 is provided with a pair of opposite lateral openings 53 within which are disposed mating prong portions 54 of latch 10.

Latch 10 is formed with an upwardly projecting portion 9A which is offset at 9 and portion 9A is disposed within a recess within base 12. Spring 15 normally biases latch 10 rearwardly (FIG. 3). When magazine 15 is brought into downward position offset portion 9 abuts recess 8 therewithin and latch 10 is forced forwardly until portion 9 enters the recess 8. At that point the latch moves rearwardly to lock the parts together. The latch may be released by depressing handle portion 10A thereof.

Front'portion 17 of spring is provided with a slot 21 at its front portion thereof. Within slot 21 a pin 23 is disposed which is in turn connected to anvil 24. A button 22 is part of pin 23 and underlies spring 15.

Anvil 24 is disposed within recess 25 located within the front of base 12. Anvil 24 is provided with chamfers 26 and 27 located upon the leading and trailing edge portions of anvil 24. These chamfers permit a smooth sliding movement of paper or similar work across anvil 24. Anvil 24 is also provided with'a clinching recess 28 and a pinning recess 29. Anvil 24 is substantially rectangular and is adapted to be rotated through 180 positions when disposed above recess 25 in order to selectively dispose pinning recess 28 or clinching recess 29 beneath staple discharge opening 33 of magazine 32.

It is noted that the front portion of spring 15 applies a downward force to anvil 24 as indicated by the downwardly pointing arrow in FIG. 3 and that portion 17 is spaced from the base. Therefore, anvil 24 can be pushed clear of recess 25 by manual upward pressure on button 22 as indicated by the upwardly directed arrow shown in FIG. 4.

Carried by base 12 are a pair of spaced ear members 30 which are each formed with a forwardly and upwardly extending portion 31. It is noted that the front portion 31 and discharge opening 33 of magazine 32 are in horizontal alignment when magazine 31 is in inverted position for tacking. (See FIG. 15).

Magazine 32, cover 37 and cap 38 are all pivotally connected to one another and are secured in position by pin 7. Pin 7 also passes through a U-shaped spacer member 39, which is provided with a pair of lateral bell-shaped portions 40. Bellshaped portions 40 in turn act as the spacers between ears 30 and magazine 32 (FIG. 14). I

Carried by each of ears 30 is a laterally inwardly extending portion 4 (FIG. 11) which is adapted to and upwardly the sides of magazine 32 forward of the position of spacers 39. Each portion 4 is provided with an opening 3 therewithin so that the degree of projection of the respective portion 4 can be adjusted by the insertion of a screwdriver or similar tool into the opening involved. Portions 4 together with spacers 39 serve to prevent lateral movement of magazine 32 when the stapling machine is in its normal position and a staple is driven into work. Magazine 31 is also provided with a follower 34 therewithin which is connected to a spring 6 and serves to move staples contained within magazine 32 forwardly.

Cap 38 carries staple driving means (not shown) and is formed with a top portion 43 and an angularly depending front portion 42. Within top portion 43 are provided a rear opening 44 and a forwardly spaced opening 45. Cap 38 also is provided with a longitudinal depression 41 therewith and openings 46 within front portion 42.

An indicia bearing member 47 (preferably made of a flexible and resilient plastic is also provided with a top portion 48 and an angularly downwardly depending front portion 49.

Front portion of indicia bearing member 47 is also provided with a pair of projections 50 which are adapted to fit within openings 46, a hook 51 which is adapted to fit within opening 44 and a downwardly depending portion 52 which is adapted to fit within opening 45. As shown in FIG. 10, the parts snap together when indicia bearing member 47 is flexed and moved rearwardly in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9.

It is noted that magazine 32, cover 37 and cap 38 are invertible and, in the inverted position project outwardly from the base 12. This is the tacking position of the machine and is shown in FIG. 15. In order to provide a stable position for tacking the topmost part of portions 31 and the staple discharge opening 33 of magazine 32 are in a horizontal alignment in this position.

The form of invention shown in FIG. 16 is generally similar to the form of invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 15, with the exception that there is provided an additional chamfer 5 on the bottom portion of the leading and trailing edges of anvil 24. This additional chamfer prevents marring the paint on the base of the stapling machine when the anvil is lifted clear of the recess on the base and twisted at about an angle of I to selectively position the pinning and clinching recesses of the anvil.

In assembling stapling machines, it is very important that the magazine and anvil are properly aligned and that lateral movement of the magazine with respect to the anvil be prevented. If this lateral movement is permitted to occur, proper stapling will not take place since the staple will not properly fit within the pinning or clinching recess, since the staple discharge opening of the magazine will not properly align with the recess involved.

As a result the structure shown is provided to ensure that the magazine is in proper relationship with the anvil. This structure prevents unwanted lateral movement and greatly improves the manner and operation of the stapling machine of this invention. This constitutes a great advantage over prior art structures.

The machine of this invention is assembled by conventional techniques which are obvious from the drawings. Specifically the indicia bearing member is secured to the cap by first securing hook 51 in opening 44 and then disposing the parts upon one another as shown in FIG. 9. The indicia bearing member is then pushed back upon the cap until the parts snap into place.

In assembling the magazine, cover and cap to one another the spacer member 39 is disposed upon pin 7 so that the bellshaped portions 40 firmly position the magazine about the ears and also aid in the prevention of unwanted lateral movement of the magazine when the magazine is in normal position about the anvil. These members also improve the tacking of the machine by insuring that the magazine, in inverted position, is in firm relationship with respect to the base and that the staple driver is driven in direct downward position.

The foregoing sets forth the manner in which the objects of this invention are achieved.

We claim:

1. A stapling machine comprising, in combination, a base having a pair of spaced upwardly extending ears at the rear portion, each of said ears having a squared-off forwardly and upwardly inclined top portion, an inwardly and laterally extending portion carried by each of said ears and adjacent said base, each of said extending portions of said ears having an adjustment opening therewithin, said base being-also provided with a substantially rectangular recess at its forward portion; a rectangular anvil normally disposed within said recess having a leading edge and a trailing edge, spaced selectively engageable staple pinning and staple clinching portions, and a pair of spaced chamfers upon the leadingand trailing edges, a leaf spring having an intermediate portion and a pair of opposite end portions, said leaf spring being secured to said base at its intermediate portion and spaced from said base at its end portions, the forward end portion of said spring being secured to said anvil; a pivotal latch member carried by said base and secured to the rear end portion of said spring an invertable magazine pivotally connected to said base formed with a pair of spaced sides and having staple discharge means, staple advancing means and a latch opening therewithin, said staple discharge means being horizontally aligned with the highest portion of said ears when said magazine is in inverted position, a pivotally movable cover secured to said magazine and having a pair of spaced sides each disposed adjacent a side of said magazine, a pivotally movable cap member overlying said cover and having a pair of spaced sides each disposed adjacent an ear of said base, a substantially U-shaped spacer member having a pair of spaced bell members each disposed between a side of said cap and a side of said magazine, a pin connecting the ears of said base with said magazine, said cover and said cap. said cap also having a flat top portion and an angularly disposed downwardly depending front portion and provided with a longitudinal recess within said top and front positions and further provided with a pair of spaced openings in said top portion and an opening within said front portion, a flexible and resilient indica bearing member also having a top portion and an angularly disposed downwardly depending front portion, the top portion of said indicia bearing member having a hook and a downwardly projecting member spaced from said hook, the front portion of said indicia bearing member having a projecting portion thereupon, said hook, downwardly projecting member'and projecting portion being adapted to be accommodated within the corresponding openings within said cap member.

2. In a stapling machine having a base, an upwardly projecting magazine holding portion upon said base and a magazine having a pair of said portions pivotally connected to said magazine holding portion, the improvement which comprises a support member disposed adjacent each of the sides of said magazine and secured to said magazine holding portion so that said magazine is retained upon said base against lateral displacement.

3. in a stapling machine as described in claim 2 said magazine holding portion comprising a pair of spaced ears and one of said support members secured to each of said ears and inwardly extending therefrom.

4. in a stapling machine as described in claim 3 including a pin extending transversely across said ears to support said magazine a pair of lateral spacer members carried by said pin each of said spacer members extending between an ear and a side of said magazine.

5. In a stapling machine as described in claim 4 said spacer members being carried by a substantially U-shaped support.

6. A stapling machine structure comprising, in combination, a base, a latch and a magazine pivotally connected to said base, an anvil disposed upon said base having selectively positionable pinning and clinching portions thereupon, said magazine also having a latch engaging element, staple feeding means, and a discharge opening therewithin, a spring disposed beneath said base having an intermediate portion connected thereto and a pair of opposite end portions, one of said end portions connected to said anvil and the other end portion connected to said latch.

7. A structure as described in claim 6 said spring being a leaf spring, and disposed beneath said base, said base provided with a recess in the front portion thereof to accommodate said anvil, the opposite end portions of said spring being spaced from said base.

8. A cap element of a stapling machine comprising, in combination, a base member having a top portion and a depending front portion, said top portion being provided with a pair of spaced openings therewithin and said front portion provided with an opening therewithin, said top and front portions of said base member also being provided with a continuous longitudinal recess, a flexible and resilient indicia bearing member also having a top portion and depending from portion, the angle of dependence of the front portion of said indicia bearing member being less than the angle of dependence of the front portion of said base member, a pair of projections carried by said top portion of said indicia bearing member and a projection carried by the front portion thereof, said projections being adapted to fit into the respective opening of said support member when said indicia member is flexed so as to retain said indicia member to said support member.

9. An indicia bearing structure as described in claim 8 one of the projections carried by the top portion of said indicia member being a hook.

10. An indicia bearing structure as described in claim 9 the front portion of said support member having a pair of openings and the front portion of said indicia member having a pair of projections adapted to fit within said openings.

11. An indicia bearing structure as described in claim 10 said indicia member being made of a heat scalable plastic and the projections within the front portion of said indicia member being heat sealed about the mating openings within the front portion of the support member.

12. In a stapling machine as described in claim 7 each of said support members provided with an adjustment opening therewithin.

' 13. ha stapling machine having a magazine pivotally con nected to a base the improvement which comprises a pair of inwardly extending spaced laterally disposed guide members upon said base adjacent the sides of said magazine and forward of the pivotal connection of said magazine with said base, so that said magazine is retained in position upon said base against lateral displacement. 

1. A stapling machine comprising, in combination, a base having a pair of spaced upwardly extending ears at the rear portion, each of said ears having a squared-off forwardly and upwardly inclined top portion, an inwardly and laterally extending portion carried by each of said ears and adjacent said base, each of said extending portions of said ears having an adjustment opening therewithin, said base being also provided with a substantially rectangular recess at its forward portion; a rectangular anvil normally disposed within said recess having a leading edge and a trailing edge, spaced selectively engageable staple pinning and staple clinching portions, and a pair of spaced chamfers upon the leading and trailing edges, a leaf spring having an intermediate portion and a pair of opposite end portions, said leaf spring being secured to said base at its intermediate portion and spaced from said base at its end portions, the forward end portion of said spring being secured to said anvil; a pivotal latch member carried by said base and secured to the rear end portion of said spring an invertable magazine pivotally connected to said base formed with a pair of spaced sides and having staple discharge means, staple advancing means and a latch opening therewithin, said staple discharge means being horizontally aligned with the highest portion of said ears when said magazine is in inverted position, a pivotally movable cover secured to said magazine and having a pair of spaced sides each disposed adjacent a side of said magazine, a pivotally movable cap member overlying said cover and having a pair of spaced sides each disposed adjacent an ear of said base, a substantially U-shaped spacer member having a pair of spaced bell members each disposed between a side of said cap and a side of said magazine, a pin connecting the ears of said base with said magazine, said cover and said cap, said cap also having a flat top portion and an angularly disposed downwardly depending front portion and provided with a longitudinal recess within said top and front positions and further provided with a pair of spaced openings in said top portion and an opening within said front portion, a flexible and resilient indicia bearing member also having a top portion and an angularly disposed downwardly depending front portion, the top portion of said indicia bearing member having a hook and a downwardly projecting member spaced from said hook, the front portion of said indicia bearing member having a projecting portion thereupon, said hook, downwardly projecting member and projecting portion being adapted to be accommodated within the corresponding openings within said cap member.
 2. In a stapling machine having a base, an upwardly projecting magazine holding portion upon said base and a magazine having a pair of side portions pivotally connected to said magazine holding portion, the improvement which comprises a support member disposed adjacent each of the sides of said magazine and secured to said magazine holding portion so that said magazine is retained upon said base against lateral displacement.
 3. In a stapling machine as described in claim 2 said magazine holding portion comprising a pair of spaced ears and one of said support members secured to each of said ears and inwardly extending therefrom.
 4. In a stapling machine as described in claim 3 including a pin extending transversely across said ears to support said magazine a pair of lateral spacer members carried by said pin each of said spacer members extending between an ear and a side of said magazine.
 5. In a stapling machine as described in claim 4 said spacer members being carried by a substantially U-shaped support.
 6. A stapling machine structure comprising, in combination, a base, a latch and a magazine pivotally connected to said base, an anvil disposed upon said base having selectively positionable pinning and clinching portions thereupon, said magazine also having a latch engaging element, staple feeding means, and a discharge opening therewithin, a spring disposed beneath said base having an intermediate portion connected thereto and a pair of opposite end portions, one of said end portions connected to said anvil and the other end portion connected to said latch.
 7. A structure as described in claim 6 said spring being a leaf spring, and disposed beneath said base, said base provided with a recess in the front portion thereof to accommodate said anvil, the opposite end portions of said spring being spaced from said base.
 8. A cap element of a stapling machine comprising, in combination, a base member having a top portion and a depending front portion, said top portion being provided with a pair of spaced openings therewithin and said front portion provided with an opening therewithin, said top and front portions of said base member also being provided with a continuous longitudinal recess, a flexible and resilient indicia bearing member also having a top portion and depending front portion, the angle of dependence of the front portion of said indicia bearing member being less than the angle of dependence of the front portion of said base member, a pair of projections carried by said top portion of said indicia bearing member and a projection carried by the front portion thereof, said projections being adapted to fit into the respective opening of said support member when said indicia member is flexed so as to retain said indicia member to said support member.
 9. An indicia bearing structure as described in claim 8 one of the projections carried by the top portion of said indicia member being a hook.
 10. An indicia bearing structure as described in claim 9 the front portion of said support member having a pair of openings and the front portion of said indicia member having a pair of projections adapted to fit within said openings.
 11. An indicia bearing structure as described in claim 10 said indicia member being made of a heat sealable plastic and the projections within the front portion of said indicia member being heat sealed about the mating openings within the front portion of the support member.
 12. In a stapling machine as described in claim 7 each of said support members provided with an adjustment opening therewithin.
 13. In a stapling machine having a magazine pivotally connected to a base the improvement which comprises a pair of inwardly extending spaced laterally disposed guide members upon said base adjacent the sides of said magazine and forward of the pivotal connection of said magazine with said base, so that said magazine is retained in position upon said base against lateral displacement. 